How to delete, hide, and offload apps on your iPhone to save storage space

Managing apps on your iPhone is essential to keep your device running smoothly and to free up storage space. Here are instructions on how to delete, hide, and offload apps:

Delete Apps:

1. Press and Hold: Locate the app you want to delete on your iPhone’s home screen.
2. Tap and Hold: Press and hold the app’s icon until it starts shaking, and an “X” appears in the top-left corner of the app icon.
3. Delete: Tap the “X” icon on the app you want to delete.
4. Confirm: A confirmation message will appear. Tap “Delete” to confirm.
5. Done: Once deleted, the app icon will disappear from your home screen.

Hide Apps (iOS 14 and later):

You can’t completely hide apps on your iPhone, but you can use the App Library feature to hide them from your home screen. Here’s how:

1. Pinpoint the App: Find the app you want to hide on your home screen.
2. Tap and Hold: Press and hold the app’s icon until it starts shaking.
3. Choose “Remove App”: Instead of tapping the “X” to delete, select the option “Remove App.”
4. Hide in App Library: Choose “Add to Library” in the pop-up dialog box. The app will be removed from your home screen but can be found in the App Library, which is accessible by swiping left from the last page of your home screen.

Offload Apps (iOS 11 and later):

Offloading apps is a feature that removes the app but keeps its data. If you reinstall the app in the future, your data will still be there. Here’s how to offload apps:

1. Go to Settings: Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll Down and Tap on “General”: In the Settings menu, scroll down and select “General.”
3. Tap on “iPhone Storage”: Choose “iPhone Storage” to see a list of apps and their storage usage.
4. Select an App: Tap on the app you want to offload from the list.
5. Choose “Offload App”: Tap “Offload App.” A confirmation message will appear.
6. Confirm: Tap “Offload App” again to confirm.
7. Done: The app will be offloaded, freeing up storage space while keeping its data intact.

Remember that offloading an app will remove the app itself, but its data and documents will be retained. If you decide to reinstall the app in the future, your data will be available.

By using these methods, you can efficiently manage your iPhone’s storage space and keep your device running smoothly.